Jordan Peele’s Get Out (2017) is a film that defies conventional genre boundaries, weaving together elements of horror, thriller, and social satire to create a powerful commentary on race relations. As a debut feature from Peele, the film has garnered widespread acclaim for its originality, sharp script, and its profound exploration of contemporary issues. This review delves into the film’s direction, narrative structure, thematic depth, visual and auditory design, and cultural impact, offering a comprehensive analysis of why Get Out is a landmark achievement in modern cinema.
Direction: Jordan Peele’s Groundbreaking Vision
Jordan Peele’s direction in Get Out represents a bold and innovative approach to the horror genre. Known primarily for his work in comedy, Peele brings a fresh perspective to horror, blending genre conventions with social commentary to create a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Peele’s direction is marked by its precision and originality. He employs a variety of techniques to build tension and create a sense of unease, using the conventions of horror to explore deeper societal issues. The film’s pacing is carefully crafted, with Peele skillfully balancing moments of suspense with more introspective and satirical elements. His ability to shift seamlessly between horror and satire adds depth to the film and enhances its impact.
One of Peele’s notable achievements is his use of psychological horror to reflect real-world anxieties. The film’s portrayal of the sinister undercurrents in seemingly benign environments serves as a metaphor for the insidious nature of racism. Peele’s direction ensures that the horror elements are deeply intertwined with the film’s social commentary, creating a narrative that is both chilling and intellectually stimulating.
Peele’s attention to detail in character development and story structure is also a key aspect of his direction. The film’s characters are richly developed, with their motivations and interactions serving to highlight the film’s themes. The nuanced performances and well-crafted dialogue contribute to the film’s overall effectiveness, and Peele’s direction ensures that every element serves the narrative and thematic goals.
Narrative Structure: A Satirical and Suspenseful Exploration
The narrative structure of Get Out is both innovative and effective, blending elements of horror, thriller, and satire to create a compelling and multi-layered story. The film follows Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), a Black photographer who visits the family estate of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams). What begins as a seemingly benign visit soon turns into a nightmarish ordeal as Chris uncovers the dark secrets of the Armitage family and their circle.
The film’s narrative is divided into several distinct acts, each building upon the previous one to escalate the tension and suspense. The first act introduces Chris and Rose, establishing their relationship and setting the stage for the unfolding horror. This act also introduces the audience to the seemingly idyllic world of the Armitage family, creating a contrast between the outward appearance of normalcy and the underlying menace.
The second act focuses on Chris’s growing unease as he becomes increasingly aware of the unsettling behavior of the Armitage family and their guests. This act deepens the film’s exploration of racism and privilege, with Chris’s experiences serving as a reflection of the broader societal issues that the film addresses. The tension builds as Chris uncovers the true nature of the Armitage family’s intentions and begins to confront the horrors that lie beneath the surface.
The third act of the film is marked by a dramatic and suspenseful climax, as Chris fights to escape the nightmarish situation he finds himself in. The narrative reaches its peak as the true extent of the Armitage family’s scheme is revealed, leading to a shocking and intense resolution. This act ties together the film’s thematic elements and delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
The film’s structure is characterized by its careful pacing and narrative twists. Peele’s screenplay, co-written with Jordan Peele, expertly weaves together the various elements of the story, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative. The film’s use of suspense and surprise adds to its impact, and the revelations are both shocking and thought-provoking.
Themes: Racism, Privilege, and the Fear of the Other
Get Out is rich with thematic content, offering a sharp and insightful commentary on racism, privilege, and the fear of the other. The film’s exploration of these themes is both nuanced and impactful, providing a compelling reflection on contemporary societal issues.
1. Racism and Microaggressions: At the heart of Get Out is a critique of racism and the ways in which it manifests in everyday interactions. The film’s portrayal of microaggressions—subtle, often unintentional, acts of discrimination—serves as a reflection of the more insidious forms of racism that persist in society. The Armitage family’s seemingly benign but deeply patronizing behavior towards Chris highlights the often overlooked aspects of racism and the discomforting reality of being a Black individual in a predominantly white environment.
2. Privilege and Exploitation: The film also explores themes of privilege and exploitation, particularly through the lens of the Armitage family’s scheme. The notion of using Black bodies for personal gain reflects a broader commentary on how privilege and power are maintained through the exploitation and objectification of marginalized groups. The film’s depiction of the Armitage family’s intentions reveals the dark side of privilege and the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain their societal advantages.
3. The Fear of the Other: Get Out delves into the fear of the other and the ways in which societal anxieties are projected onto marginalized groups. The film’s horror elements serve as a metaphor for the fear and suspicion that often accompany encounters with those who are perceived as different. The Armitage family’s obsession with the Black bodies they seek to control reflects a broader societal fear of the other and the desire to dominate and assimilate those who are perceived as threatening.
4. The Illusion of Equality: The film critiques the illusion of equality and the superficiality of progressive attitudes. The Armitage family’s outwardly liberal and inclusive persona is revealed to be a façade that conceals their true intentions. This theme underscores the disparity between public declarations of equality and the underlying prejudices that persist in society.
Visual and Auditory Design: Crafting an Atmosphere of Unease
The visual and auditory design of Get Out is integral to its effectiveness as a horror film and its exploration of its themes. The film’s aesthetic choices, including its cinematography, production design, and score, contribute to its overall atmosphere and impact.
The cinematography, overseen by Toby Oliver, is characterized by its careful composition and use of visual motifs. The film’s use of color and lighting enhances its mood and tone, creating a sense of unease and tension. The contrast between the serene, picturesque setting of the Armitage estate and the escalating horror of Chris’s experiences is visually striking and reinforces the film’s thematic elements.
The production design, led by Rusty Smith, plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s setting and atmosphere. The Armitage estate is depicted as a seemingly idyllic but ultimately sinister environment, with its opulent decor and expansive grounds contributing to the sense of isolation and entrapment. The design of the house and its surroundings reflects the underlying menace and adds to the film’s overall sense of dread.
The film’s score, composed by Michael Abels, complements its visual and narrative elements with a haunting and evocative soundtrack. The music enhances the film’s emotional impact and contributes to its atmosphere of suspense and tension. Abels’ score, including the memorable track “Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga,” adds a layer of cultural significance and further immerses the audience in the film’s world.
The sound design, including the use of ambient noise and the manipulation of sound within the film’s various scenes, also plays a significant role in creating a sense of unease. The film’s use of sound to heighten tension and emphasize key moments adds to its overall impact and effectiveness.
Cultural Impact: A Landmark in Modern Horror and Social Commentary
Get Out has had a profound impact on both the horror genre and contemporary cinema, establishing itself as a landmark achievement in its genre and beyond. The film’s success in blending horror with social commentary has garnered widespread acclaim and has influenced subsequent films and filmmakers.
The film’s critical and commercial success reflects its significance in the industry. Get Out was praised for its originality, creativity, and its ability to address complex social issues through the lens of horror. The film’s success at the box office and its numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, underscore its impact and importance.
The film’s cultural impact extends beyond its success in the industry. Get Out has sparked discussions about the role of horror in addressing social issues and has influenced the way in which contemporary filmmakers approach genre storytelling. The film’s innovative approach to blending horror with social critique has set a new standard for the genre and has inspired a range of analyses and interpretations.
However, Get Out is not without its critiques. Some viewers may find the film’s horror elements and social commentary to be polarizing, and its portrayal of race and privilege may provoke varying responses. These critiques highlight the film’s departure from traditional horror conventions and its willingness to confront complex and often uncomfortable themes.
Conclusion: A Revolutionary Achievement in Cinema
Get Out is a revolutionary achievement in modern cinema that redefines the boundaries of horror and social commentary. Jordan Peele’s visionary direction, combined with the film’s sharp script, thematic depth, and innovative design, creates a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
The film’s exploration of racism, privilege, and the fear of the other provides a rich and nuanced reflection on contemporary societal issues. Get Out stands as a testament to the power of film to address complex themes, challenge perceptions, and create a lasting impact on audiences and the industry.
As we reflect on the legacy of Get Out, we are reminded of its place as a landmark film and its influence on contemporary cinema. Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking work remains a powerful and enduring example of the artistry and creativity that define the best of filmmaking.